Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs:
How Charles Roche and His Family Embraced Financial Literacy with Make Sense of Pence
Charles Roche, founder of The Roche Hair Experience, has not only built a successful business but has also become a strong supporter of the Make Sense of Pence project. Charles’s connection with Your Guardian began through his own business journey, where he received guidance and support to launch and grow his venture. Now, he’s giving back, helping bring financial literacy to young people through sponsorships that fund Money Wise Workshops in local schools.
A Family’s Journey into Financial Literacy
Charles’s interest in Make Sense of Pence began when his children started asking questions about money. He recalls, “My kids were constantly asking me about financial stuff when they’d hear me and my partner discussing business at home. I wanted to give them answers in a way they could understand.” When Charles received the Make Sense of Pence books, he encouraged his children to read them. His son, initially a bit reluctant, quickly became engaged. “After reading, he came downstairs asking about credit and debit cards, wanting to learn more about managing money,” Charles said with a smile.
Charles’ children didn’t just read the books; they applied the lessons. His son, inspired by his new financial knowledge, launched an entrepreneurial venture with a friend—an online aftershave business. The young duo created a logo, built a website, and even marketed their products on social media. By age 12, they had sold 24 bottles, earning over £350. “They saw the value of money and learned about reinvesting profits,” said Charles. “This wasn’t just about earning—it was about understanding how to grow money responsibly.”
Bringing Financial Education to the Classroom
Charles’ positive experience with Make Sense of Pence led him to sponsor a Money Wise Workshop at a local school. His goal was to help other children access the same foundational knowledge his kids gained from the books. “Sponsoring a workshop felt like the right thing to do,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the impact—children are learning real-life skills that aren’t always taught in schools.”
Charles shared that his daughter even took the books to school for show-and-tell, sparking discussions among her classmates. “She stood up and shared facts from the book with confidence,” he said proudly. “It’s a great feeling to know these resources are having a ripple effect.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters to Charles
For Charles, the importance of financial education goes beyond his family. He sees it as a way to empower the next generation. “My son keeps asking why schools don’t teach this stuff,” he said. “Kids should learn how to manage money early. If they’re financially aware, they can make smarter choices in the future.”
Make Sense of Pence has even influenced Charles’ own perspective. He described how the books and flashcards have sparked family conversations around finance, often igniting his children’s curiosity about new topics. “The flashcards are great. My kids are always asking, ‘What’s this one about?’ It’s a brilliant way to keep them interested,” he explained.
A Partnership that Makes a Difference
Charles’ sponsorship of the Money Wise Workshop has enabled Make Sense of Pence to reach more children, helping them build a foundation in financial literacy. “It’s not just about supporting a project—it’s about being part of something that could really change lives,” he reflected. “And if my support can spark even a little bit of financial awareness in another child, it’s worth it.”
Through his sponsorship and ongoing enthusiasm, Charles Roche exemplifies how a shared commitment to financial education can inspire meaningful change. His journey, both as a parent and an entrepreneur, highlights the transformative power of teaching children about money early on. With supporters like Charles, Make Sense of Pence is set to impact even more young minds, equipping them with skills that will serve them for life.
